Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski has been named in Harry Redknapp’s Premier League Team of the Week
Former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United manager Harry Redknapp believes Dejan Kulusevski has been a “revelation” in his new-found role under Ange Postecoglou this campaign.
The former Juventus player has been used in a more central position by his Spurs boss this season. He has two goals and one assist in eight Premier League games this term, including a goal in the 3-0 win at Old Trafford last month. His latest goal came as he grabbed the equaliser against West Ham United on Saturday, with Tottenham going on to win the game 4-1 after a stunning second-half display.
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Speaking at the conclusion of another action-packed round of Premier League action, Redknapp named Kulusevski in his team of the week. He said: “I always thought Dejan Kulusevski was a good player, but he’s gone up a level this season, he’s been a revelation in that central position! I think he’s been by far Spurs’ best player this season and he’s dragged them through games with his energy and quality in there. I don’t see many players in the league who are playing better than him right now.”
Up next for Spurs as a Europa League conference clash with AZ Alkmaar in North London before they face Crystal Palace in another London derby on Sunday. Earlier this season, Kulusevski revealed some changes to his mentality, along with his new position, were behind his upturn in form.
He said in September: “It has been the whole season. I really feel that I am stronger mentally and physically this season. I have changed the “mindset” a bit. I think that is to my advantage. I have grown off the pitch as well. The plan is to get better every day, and I feel that I am becoming that.”
On his position change, he continued: “This is my position. I grew a lot because now I can defend. Before, maybe, I didn't defend as much and that was why I didn't play in the midfield. But now, I'm growing as a player and I can play to my strengths. I'm the best in the middle, I can score goals, I can find good passes and I play with (James) Maddison, who is unbelievable with the ball. We have (Rodrigo) Bentancur who, when he plays like he did against United, is an unbelievable player. It looks offensive on paper but it’s working really well.”
Spurs boss Postecoglou feels he can get even more out of the player this season, as he challenged the Sweden international to add more goals and assists to his game. He said: "He's got this ability to get out of tight spaces and he's a really strong runner.
“He is relentless in his running capacity and he also has the quality. In that final third I still think we can get more goals out of him, more assists but he is constantly in those threatening areas and he's been outstanding for us all year. Today he had to show some other facets of the game, some defensive work as well which I thought he did well but I thought the whole team did well."